Engineering Commons^™

Vibration As An Aid In Robotic Peg-In-Hole Assembly, Hsin-Te Liao

Dissertations

This dissertation presents an analytical and experimental investigation of vibration assisted engagement for parts mating. A dynamic model of assembly is established by using Lagrange's equation for impact to derive impact equations for a robotic manipulator in peg-in-hole assembly. The model can be used to analyze part motion and contact force in the mating of parts by robots. The impact equations of a SCARA robot are derived using this model and utilized to investigate how robot configuration, insertion speed, chamfer angle, coefficient of restitution and other system parameters affect impulsive force and departure angle in the assembly of a peg …

Particle Deposition On Surfaces In A Divergent Channal Flow, Ding Sun

Dissertations

Particle trajectory and deposition of two phase gas-solid flows in a convergent or divergent two-dimensional channel are investigated numerically in a wide range of parameters. For the fluid phase, a two dimensional, incompressible laminar fluid flow is considered in the analysis. The particle phase is a diluted suspension. The effects of inertia, gravity, viscous force and electrostatic image force are included in the computational model.

Both convergent and divergent channel flow are solved by the finite element method based on the software FIDAP. The flow separations will appear in a divergent channel and their separation positions are obtained in the …

Performance Analysis For Genetic Algorithms., Hermrean Wong

Dissertations

Genetic algorithms have been shown effective for solving complex optimization problems such as job scheduling, machine learning, pattern recognition, and assembly planning. Due to the random process involved in genetic algorithms, the analysis of performance characteristics of genetic algorithms is a challenging research topic. Studied in this dissertation are methods to analyze convergence of genetic algorithms and to investigate whether modifications made to genetic algorithms, such as varying the operator rates during the iterative process, improve their performance. Both statistical analysis, which is used for investigation of different modifications to the genetic algorithm, and probability analysis, which is used to …

The Effect Of Liquid Gallium On Plastics, Vivek P. Dwivedi

Theses

As part of a joint effort by Cornell University and NJIT to find a replacement for mercury as a pressuring medium for P-V-T devices, we investigated the effect of liquid gallium on four thermoplastics: two semi-crystalline ( high density polyethylene and polypropylene ) and two amorphous ( polystyrene and polymethylmethacrylate ). Test specimens were covered with liquid gallium and held in vacuum oven at temperatures close to their melting points for up to two weeks. Change in weight after treatment with gallium was measured, along with tensile testing and particle analysis using dispersion x-ray spectroscopy. The results are compared with …

Chute Flow Experiments, Yahong Zhang

Theses

The objective of this thesis is to study the behavior of granular materials flowing down an inclined chute using three diagnostic techniques under different chute inclination angles and chute floor conditions. The three methods are: (1) tracking the motion of single particle within the mass in a noninvasive manner using a transmitting sphere and antenna receiving system, (2) scale mass flow rate measurement, and (3) high speed camera system to obtain flow velocity measurements.

For these purposes, an experimental setup has been completed and a set experiments has been performed.

Analysis Of Cim Performance Using Different Lan Structures A Simulation Approach, Kirk Rawle

Theses

This research illustrates a systematic procedure for modeling and performance analysis of the integration effect of communication network to the physical system. The concept is to model different layouts of Computer Integration Manufacturing (CIM) using different Local Area Network(LAN) structures. The steps to accomplish this concepts are, a) To determine the performance measures for physical layouts and the communication network, in order to obtain a performance analysis. b) Modeling the physical layout using Promodel simulation package. c) Extracting results from the outcome of the simulation of the physical layout and using this as input to the communication network simulation. d) …

Auditing & Measuring The Need For Flexibility In A Manufacturing Facility, Kartika-Sari Stroman

Theses

Flexible manufacturing was created out of the need for facilities to be able to efficiently respond to changes in their environment so as to build a competitive advantage. Flexible manufacturing (FM) is currently viewed as a way for facilities to be able to introduce and produce multiple products quickly and more efficiently. In this research we will present some new tools to help managers address the changes that are affecting the facility.

An audit was developed to help system designers identify the changes that are impacting the facilities. The audit provides the opportunity to understand the changes that are occurring …

A Petri-Net Based Methodology For Modeling, Simulation, And Control Of Flexible Manufacturing Systems, Venkatesh Kurapati

Dissertations

Global competition has made it necessary for manufacturers to introduce such advanced technologies as flexible and agile manufacturing, intelligent automation, and computer-integrated manufacturing. However, the application extent of these technologies varies from industry to industry and has met various degrees of success. One critical barrier leading to successful implementation of advanced manufacturing systems is the ever-increasing complexity in their modeling, analysis, simulation, and control. The purpose of this work is to introduce a set of Petri net-based tools and methods to address a variety of problems associated with the design and implementation of flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs). More specifically, this …

Robust Approach To Object Recognition Through Fuzzy Clustering And Hough Transform Based Methods, Tianxiong Fu

Dissertations

Object detection from two dimensional intensity images as well as three dimensional range images is considered. The emphasis is on the robust detection of shapes such as cylinders, spheres, cones, and planar surfaces, typically found in mechanical and manufacturing engineering applications. Based on the analyses of different HT methods, a novel method, called the Fast Randomized Hough Transform (FRHT) is proposed. The key idea of FRHT is to divide the original image into multiple regions and apply random sampling method to map data points in the image space into the parameter space or feature space, then obtain the parameters of …

Simulation Study Of Particle Tracking System, Prashant B. Patel

Theses

A particle tracking system is being developed in the Particle Technology Laboratory of the Mechanical Engineering Department, at NJIT, In this thesis, an attempt is made to understand the effect of various parameters on the errors in the computed position and orientation of the sphere being tracked. Simulation results for a single transmitter assembly as well as a three transmitter assembly with 6, 9 and 17 antennae are presented. The effects of the level of noise in the voltages on the solution for the single transmitter assembly and three transmitter assembly are discussed. The concept of virtual antenna is introduced …

Use Of Multiple Transmitters For 3-D Non-Intrusive Particle Tracking, Jitesh H. Agrawal

Theses

A method for non-intrusive tracking of a particle in 3-dimensional space, based on processing of signals emitted from a transmitter embedded in the particle, is being developed. This method uses a mathematical model, which predicts the induced signal in receivers present in the vicinity of flowing particle, and supporting numerical techniques. Specific application aspects related to improving the accuracy of this method are presented.

The focus here is the development of flexible software capable of processing information coming from multiple transmitters with known distinct spatial orientation. Implementation aspects of modified existing empirical corrections for improving model-reality agreement, and new techniques …

Investigation Of Velocity Distribution Within High Speed Waterjet, Hong Cao

Theses

The aim of this research was to investigate velocity distribution within the water jet at different conditions of jet formation. The water jet (WJ) velocity was measured by the use of Laser Transit Anemometer (LTA) and statistical technique which improved the accuracy of the velocity determination.

The velocities were measured for different diameters of the sapphire nozzle under different water pressures at different axial stand off distances and radial distances across the jet. The experiments performed in this study enabled us to evaluate the effects and conditions of the water jet on the velocity distribution. The acquired results provide information …

Viscoelastic Effects On Parallel Flow Stability, Transition To Turbulence, And Turbulent Flow, Michael Garofalo

Theses

The classical two dimensional theory of stability of parallel flow is extended to viscoelastic fluids. How the elasticity of the fluid affects the point of stability and determines the point of transition to turbulence is analyzed. In addition the magnification of disturbances is elucidated. This study is based on a viscoelastic constitutive equation which has been successful in predicting the experimental trends of various unsteady high shear rate laminar flows. A viscoelastic stability equation which is an extension to the Orr-Sommerfeld equation for a Newtonian fluid is derived and solved for a flow between parallel plates superimposed by a two-dimensional …

Design For Quality Manufacturability Analysis Of Missing/Misplaced Parts And Part Interference, Altaf Yusuf Tamboo

Theses

Design for Quality Manufacturability (DFQM) is an approach that addresses the issue of quality manufacturability (QM) - the likelihood that defects will occur during manufacture of a product in a standard plant. The DFQM methodology is based on the premise that defects found in assembled products are often influenced by some features of the design and/or assembly process (influencing factors). These influencing factors cause defects in the presence of certain error catalysts.

One of the influencing factors is geometrical features such as shape and symmetry. A classification scheme for part shape and symmetry is developed. This scheme is summarized in …

Design For Quality Manufacturability Analysis For Common Assembly Process, Suriyanarayanan Ramachandra

Theses

The globalization of market economy has precipitated a dramatic increase in competition necessitating the need for higher quality products at lower cost in shorter time periods. Shorter life cycles and proliferation of products has made companies integrate all the phases of manufacturing to bring about a superior design. Design for Quality Manufacturability (DFQM) provides a technique to invoke manufacturing and assembly considerations while designing a product. The DFQM architecture identifies factors consisting of several variables that are influenced by certain error catalysts to cause one or more specific defects. A methodology is suggested to identify and quantify these error catalysts …

Case Study Of Assembly Defects In Manufactured Products, Michael J. Withka

Theses

Design for Quality Manufacturability (DFQM) is a design tool that empowers engineers to create designs that are easily and effectively transformed into manufactured products. The goal of this methodology is to make designers aware of design characteristics that may lead to product defects during the assembly process. Acknowledging the possibility of these defects will enable the designer to institute design modifications early in the design phase. The benefits realized in this approach are a reduction in the number of defects in the finished product, reduced product cycle times, a reduction in monitoring costs and a reduction in time-to-market.

This thesis …

Development Of An Expert System To Facilitate A Pump Manufacturing/Warehouse Facility, Muhammad Mutahir Ghauri

Theses

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of utilizing an expert system technology as it relates to manufacturing. It appears that our industries are still uncertain about this technology. In the first phase of this study, procedure for deployment of this technology is discussed. Secondly a knowledge-based expert system is developed, using a VP-Expert microcomputer shell. The system is made of three modules, inventory module, cost analysis module, and decision making module (for the selection of pumps).

A warehouse was selected for the analysis, which carries the finished product in the form of pumps. The quantities and …

Statistical And Finite Element Analysis Of The Effects Of Random Input Parameters On The Mechanical Characteristics Of Sheetmetal Forming Processes Using Quadrature Method, Yu Quan

Theses

In this thesis, the computer aided finite element analysis is implemented in the analysis of sheetmetal forming process. To rationalize the experimentation and analysis, the statistical method is introduced to study the variability of sheetmetal deformation process and final shape with respect to the variation of different parameters.

In Chapter 2, the basic characteristics and considerations of deep drawing operation is described with emphasis on the study of geometrical and physical variables of the forming process.

Chapter 3 discussed the three phases which are encountered in the computer aided finite element analysis. As a typical representative of professional finite element …

A Systematic Approach To Defense Diversification, Sathappan Venkatachalam

Theses

The decline in defense spending has resulted in defense dependent companies seeking new markets through re-designing existing products, developing new products and restructuring their businesses. Defense diversification is defined as the process of transitioning a defense company's core capabilities (technologies, products, services) into commercial and non-Department of Defense government markets. A combination of site visits and review of the literature on defense diversification demonstrates the need for diversifying companies to adopt a systematic approach.

A concurrent new product development/product redevelopment model is proposed, based on the principles of concurrent engineering. The model consists of an eight phase development cycle and …

A General Method For The Inverse Kinematics Of Rotational Displacements In Spatial Mechanisms, John D. Kliminski

Theses

An iterative technique was developed to solve the inverse kinematics problem for the joint rotations in both closed-loop and open-loop spatial mechanisms and robotic manipulators in any prescribed configuration. The method is based on fixing one link in space and maneuvering the other links to form a closed chain, following an approximation of the actual physical assembly of the mechanism. In order to apply the same principle to both types of mechanisms, an open-loop mechanism was modeled as a closed-loop mechanism by creating a fictitious fixed link in the free space between the base and the end of the chain …

An Investigation Into Artificial Intelligence Based Generative Computer Process Planning, William Tereshkovich

Theses

The process planning function can be further optimized with the introduction of an intelligent software package such as an Artificial Intelligence based Generative Computer Process Planning System. An AI based CAPP system, also categorized as an expert system, provides the vital link between design and manufacture, a "bridge" of knowledge in the information chain of manufacturing engineering. With the increasing role of computers in the process planning function, planning has become easier, faster, and more efficient.

This thesis provides an explanation of the process planning function and how artificial intelligence will improve it. Topics in AI techniques and procedures, knowledge …